With Chile starting some 10 days late, supplies from the two southern hemisphere sources should dovetail well as South Africa has a presence on the market slightly later than usual because of its tardy debut.

Wholesale markets however have been reporting some variable quality as produce that has not made the grade for supermarket customers is diverted. Problems with sun-affected fruit from later production areas, as well as loose berries on individual bunches, are also affecting some samples.

However, on the whole the major importers report well programmed arrivals and adequate volumes and quality for supermarket customers. Supplies of red seedless types are performing well on a UK market where demand for the product is increasing. And Martin Dunnett of Capespan, the largest supplier of South African grapes to the UK market, reports that the season for Cape branded fruit is going well following temporary problems with early Flame and a gap in supplies in January before Sun Red came on stream in February. Some receivers report heavier volumes than usual of Sun Red in European markets because of a diversion of fruit away from the US market.

'There is also some fantastic Crimson in South Africa,' reported Dunnett. 'Vines have been planted in the early Orange River area to fill the gap between Flame and Sun Red and next season there should be greater availability.'

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